Propane Recall, Lack of Odor May Lead to Fire, Explosion or Burns

A processor of propane gas, also known as liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, has issued a recall of its propane sold in portable tanks and propane delivered to storage tanks because the company failed to add a sufficient amount of an odorant intended to alert consumers of a gas leak.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Aux Sable Liquid Products, of Morris, IL, is voluntarily recalling propane sold at retailers in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia from February 25, 2010 through September 30, 2010.

The amount of propane affected by the recall would fill 700 railroad cars.

Consumers or businesses in those states who purchased propane in a portable tank, like those used for a grill, or had propane delivered to their storage tank, such as the kind used for home heating, who have not had their tank refilled since September 30, 2010, should immediately call Aux Sable toll-free at (866) 473-7612 to arrange a free inspection. If the inspection finds insufficient odorant in the propane, the company will provide additional odorized propane or a replacement portable propane tank free of charge.

The CPSC says consumers should not attempt to test the propane gas themselves. In addition, if you smell even a faint odor of gas and suspect a gas leak:

Leave the house immediately.

Do not use your phone; Call your gas supplier or dial 911 for assistance from a neighbor’s house.

Do not light a match.

Do not turn on a light.

Do not switch on anything electrical.

Consumers may still have supplies of this hazardous propane in their possession, especially consumers who stored their portable propane tanks for grilling away at the end of summer or residents who have large propane storage tanks at their home. In many areas, it is common for residences to have a 500-gallon propane tank on the property.